Garden Railway Forum

Preseli Chris wrote: Fri Jun 05, 2026 4:19 pm

I want to paint the connecting rods red and paint the wheels and cylinder blocks black.
Does anybody know of a suitable paint on etch primer for this purpose.
Thanks in advance.
Chris.

Precision Paints do a 2 pack etch primer in black. I think there's a 1 pack version as well. I like the name, by the way.

Congratulations on the new steamer Chris. Any new steam is a good move in my book.
Grant.

Lonsdaler wrote: Fri Jun 05, 2026 10:21 pm

Precision Paints do a 2 pack etch primer in black. I think there's a 1 pack version as well. I like the name, by the way.

Hi thanks for the headsup

I did have a look at the web site ,but they have discontinued the 1 pack due to a short shelf life .

Re the name of the loco . I have had the name plates lying around for sometime waiting for a suitable recipient. I originally thought the name related to a colonial locomotive, but was pleasantly surprised to discover the name relates to the character " Shanghai Lily " played by Marlene Dietrich in the film Shanghai Express

LNR wrote: Sat Jun 06, 2026 1:01 am Congratulations on the new steamer Chris. Any new steam is a good move in my book.
Grant.

Thanks Grant . I did have to dip into my k1 Garratt savings fund . I have always had a soft spot for 0-4-0 Pug and Peckett saddle tank locos so when Roundhouse released their generic take on one I took the bait and purchased one .

Chris

Preseli Chris wrote: Sat Jun 06, 2026 4:41 pm I have always had a soft spot for 0-4-0 Pug and Peckett saddle tank locos

Yes, have wondered about a saddle tank myself as being a type a little bit different. I also like the way you can put a large diameter boiler hidden under a saddle tank with a small diam. narrow gauge type smoke box out front.
Grant.

In my experience, any etch primer sprayed into the lid of the can and brushed on seems to work - long as the loco is thoroughly degreased.

Nice loco. The colour suits it, and red rods will, too.

Old Man Aaron wrote: Sun Jun 07, 2026 12:02 pm In my experience, any etch primer sprayed into the lid of the can and brushed on seems to work - long as the loco is thoroughly degreased.

Nice loco. The colour suits it, and red rods will, too.

Thanks Aaron.

Thats the way to go . I have sprayed into the lid of a rattle can paint in the past to touch up models . Thanks for reminding me. I have a stock of reasonable sacrificial paint brushes and some primer . its probably the most economical route as well.

Chris

Looking good, Chris! I like your priority for smooth running. Looking forward to visiting! Cheers, Rob

ThePeoplesFriend wrote: Mon Jul 20, 2026 10:25 am Looking good, Chris! I like your priority for smooth running. Looking forward to visiting! Cheers, Rob

Hi Rob.
Thanks for the compliment.It was good to see you at our mutual friends running day last weekend.
Hopefully I will be able sort out a running session next month ,weather conditions permitting.

With the slight drop in temperature I bit the bullet and made a start on doing the paint job on my loco .
I prepared the surfaces to be painted using cotton buds soaked in IPA (Rubbing alcohol) to degrease the wheels ,cylinder blocks and motion rods.
I have just applied the etch primer to the surfaces using a paint brush . It says the primer can be painted over in 2 hours ,but I will leave it overnight in order for me to regain my composure! It was quite daunting slapping primer onto a new Roundhouse loco !